International Application Stream "Closed Before Opening"

According to the latest information on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's official website, the "applicants not working in Canada" stream under the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) was officially marked as "closed" on September 29, 2025.

When the pilot program was initially designed, both the home support care and child care options were planned to feature dedicated application streams for overseas applicants, with promises to release more details at a later date. However, this stream was shut down without ever formally opening to accept applications, catching many overseas caregivers planning to immigrate to Canada through this pathway off guard.

Alternative Immigration Pathways for Overseas Caregivers

Although the HCWP's international application stream has closed, overseas caregivers still have other viable immigration options in 2025:

Express Entry

For workers who fall under National Occupation Classification (NOC) code 33102—including nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates—immigration through Express Entry remains a viable pathway. These professionals are eligible for category-based selection through the Healthcare and Social Services category.

The most recent Express Entry healthcare draw had a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off score of 470 points.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

For other professionals who would have been eligible under the HCWP, multiple Provincial Nominee Programs continue to accept candidates under home care worker occupation codes. PNP streams that continue to invite caregiver professionals eligible under the HCWP include:

• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) Skilled Worker Overseas stream
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) Priority Occupations stream
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) Skilled Worker category

Note: The NBPNP Priority Occupations stream only invites NOC codes 33102, 44101, and 42202. NOC code 44100 (Home child care providers) is not eligible under this stream.

Analysis of Closure Reasons: Application Backlog and Policy Adjustments

While the immigration department has not provided an official explanation for closing the "applicants not working in Canada" stream, data from IRCC's most recent Minister Transition Binder suggests this decision may be related to an excessively large existing application inventory.

Severe Application Backlog

As of September 11, 2025, IRCC's caregiver pilot programs had an application inventory of 34,400 files. This figure includes not only applications under the HCWP but also applications from previously operational caregiver pilots such as the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot.

According to the transition binder, the department plans to process only 14% of these applications in 2025—that is, 4,816 applications. From January 1 to September 11, 2025, 4,200 new permanent residents have already landed in Canada through the caregiver pilot programs, meaning IRCC intends to process approximately 600 more applications this year (not accounting for those that may be refused due to ineligibility).

Tight Immigration Level Allocations

The existing application inventory far exceeds IRCC's anticipated admissions. According to previous announcements, IRCC planned to welcome 2,750 new permanent residents through the HCWP's in-Canada intake.

Per the Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC's admission levels for all federal economic pilot programs stand at 10,920 new permanent residents for 2025. This allocation includes not only successful principal applicants but also any accompanying dependents they wish to bring to Canada, and is shared among the following programs:

• Agri-Food Pilot
• Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
• Start-up Visa Program
• Caregiver Pilots

Policy Direction Shift

Another possible reason for the closure of the HCWP's international intake is IRCC's focus on transitioning temporary residents already in Canada to permanent residence status. This policy direction is reflected in the prioritization of Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates under Express Entry draws, as well as the mandate requiring provinces to allocate 75% of provincial nomination quotas to candidates already in Canada.

Impact and Recommendations for Applicants

For overseas applicants planning to immigrate to Canada through caregiver status, this stream closure means they need to reassess their immigration pathways. Recommendations for applicants include:

1. Assess whether you qualify for the Express Entry Healthcare category
2. Research specific requirements and invitation trends for various Provincial Nominee Programs
3. Consider entering Canada through a work permit first, then applying for permanent residence while in-country
4. Consult professional immigration advisors to develop the most suitable immigration plan for your individual circumstances

Despite the closure of the international application stream, Canada's demand for caregivers remains strong, and professionals interested in immigrating still have multiple pathways available to achieve their immigration goals.